Sri Lanka's Electric Fielding Prowess Fuels ODI Victory; Hasaranga Highlights Key Run-Out and Catch

Atif Azam

Sri Lankan leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga attributed his team's impressive fielding performance as a key factor in their 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI. The energetic fielding display significantly contributed to the win.

Sri Lanka's efforts on the field made a huge difference in the end. © BCB

At one stage, Bangladesh appeared to be in control at 100/1. However, a turning point arrived with a remarkable piece of fielding. Milan Rathnayake's accurate throw from deep square leg resulted in a crucial run-out of Najmul Hossain, who had scored 23 runs. With Litton Das dismissed for a duck, Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, was tasked with anchoring the innings. However, Janith Liyanage's stunning catch at mid-off marked the beginning of a dramatic collapse for Bangladesh.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, and so was Janith Liyanage," Hasaranga said. "We have demonstrated how we can influence games with our fielding, and this match serves as further evidence of that. They were progressing well at one point. That run-out by Milan shifted the momentum. Then, Janith Liyanage's exceptional catch turned the game in our favor."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting a score nearing 250. "It is a typical RPS wicket. When we faced Australia and India, we were aware that if we managed to score between 240 and 250 while batting first, we could defend it with our bowling attack. It is the usual RPS pitch," Hasaranga stated.

He further commented on Bangladesh's strategy, "I believe they opted for a predominantly seam-based attack. However, adapting to the conditions swiftly is crucial. The Bangladeshi batters likely targeted our fast bowlers, anticipating that scoring runs against the spinners would be more challenging. Asitha bowled well, as he consistently does. It was encouraging to see how the bowlers adjusted," he added, mentioning the tactical decision to introduce him later in the 18th over.

"Charith, Kusal, and I discussed and decided to hold myself back. The plan was that since they have several left-handers in the top order, for me to come as late as possible and attack the right-handers," he said.

Hasaranga also lauded the batting unit for their ODI resurgence, believing they are heading in the right direction under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "He (Charith) conducts himself as a mature player. He manages the middle overs effectively and encourages the other batters to form partnerships," Hasaranga noted.

"He has a talent for extracting the best from his batting partners. He has been instrumental in our success and has consistently scored runs for us over the past 18 months. Every batter has started contributing to the team, which was lacking a few years ago. The reason we are winning consistently now is that the batters are fulfilling their roles, making it easier for the bowlers."

Despite facing several injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team. He also celebrated his 100th ODI wicket on the eighth anniversary of his international debut. "I missed a significant amount of cricket due to injuries and surgery. The most challenging aspect was missing a World Cup because of injury, and I am very happy to have contributed to Sri Lanka's success, which I am proud of," Hasaranga said.

"I wasn't aware of the 1000-run milestone, but I knew I only needed one more wicket for 100 wickets. Today marks my eighth anniversary as an international cricketer, and I am very pleased with this achievement, and I hope to continue in the same vein."